Charlene Martin Ward was born in Artesia, New Mexico, on November 17, 1924, to Charles Ray Martin and Jennie Lee Williams Martin, the eldest of three sisters.

After graduation from Artesia High School, Charlene attended Stephens College and the University of Colorado before graduating with a degree in business from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1948 she married Edwin Henry Ward and they had three children, Steve, Jennie and Sara. Charlene was devoted to farming, ranching and insurance in Artesia, Eddy County and Lea County. Both she and Eddie (Pook) were actively involved in many civic, religious and social endeavors in the community.

Guestbook Entries

Shirley Blankinship

Paducah, TX

I am so sorry to hear about Charlene. I don't remember not knowing her since she was friends with Lewis and Wanda. She was one of a kind and I sincerely appreciate knowing her. She was fair, tough and a woman before her time. She is having a reunion in heaven with her "Pookie". My condolences to the entire family. I missed the service, got busy at work - but You are all in my prayers.

Sharon Snowden

Artesia, NM

So sorry to read about the passing of Mrs. Ward. She was always fair to me and Smiley and I thought of her as a friend. She was a very valuable member of the Board of the country club and I was proud to serve under her leadership. She was a strong willed woman and we did have our moments. But, she was very fair, listened to all sides of the situation and to me, she always made the right decision. I know you will miss her, and the club will surely miss her leadership. I know she will be happy in her reward. Smiley and I were very proud to not only know her, but call her a friend.Joe & Glenda (Smiley) SmithLubbock, TX

Joe Smith

Lubbock, TX

Thoughts and prayers to the family of a very spunky, hardworking member of our community. There will never be another like her, and she will be missed. Our condolences and Love to all ~ Denise and Ronny

Denise Tidwell tice

I am honored to have been a friend of your Mom. We actually shared a lot of experiences. I will always have fond memories of Charlene. The one thought that always comes to me when I think of her is how she always treated me: LIKE A PRINCE! I will never forget her!

With my kindest regards, Dan Cogar

Dan Cogar

Artesia, NM

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your whole family in your loss. Charlene was such a great lady and had a profound influence on so many things in Artesia, the business community, the Country Club, Arts Council, and was a true friend to all who knew her. She lived a full life. We will not forget her, and are proud to have known her. Sorry we won't make it to the service. Love and hugs to you all!

George and Susan HOlmes

Alto, NM

She is unforgettable. Sincere condolences.

Tim. Aspenwall

Mount Pleasant, OH

I am so sorry to hear of Charlene's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all(Wards, Fergusons, Morgans). Love you.

Kathy Taylor

Artesia, NM

My condolences to the family, cvontinued prayers

Velda

Artesia, NM

Sara, heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Greg Watson

Ridgecrest, CA

Jenni and Sara, I was very sorry to read about the passing of your mom. . God's peace for all. of you. . Debbie Burrows Walker.

Debbie Burrows Walker

Lubbock, TX

Jennie & Sara I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a special lady.It was my honor to know her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bonnie Kilpatrick

Artesia, NM

Sending love from Iowa.

Courtney Hartman

Pella, IA

Prayers for the family during this difficult time. What a wonderful lady, she will be missed.

Roger & Ramona Kilpatrick

Joseph Tillery

Condolences(15)

Shirley BlankinshipPaducah, TX

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

I''m sorry for your loss and you will be in my prayers.

Sharon SnowdenArtesia, NM

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Charlene. I don't remember not knowing her since she was friends with Lewis and Wanda. She was one of a kind and I sincerely appreciate knowing her. She was fair, tough and a woman before her time. She is having a reunion in heaven with her "Pookie". My condolences to the entire family. I missed the service, got busy at work - but You are all in my prayers.

Joe SmithLubbock, TX

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

So sorry to read about the passing of Mrs. Ward. She was always fair to me and Smiley and I thought of her as a friend. She was a very valuable member of the Board of the country club and I was proud to serve under her leadership. She was a strong willed woman and we did have our moments. But, she was very fair, listened to all sides of the situation and to me, she always made the right decision. I know you will miss her, and the club will surely miss her leadership. I know she will be happy in her reward. Smiley and I were very proud to not only know her, but call her a friend.Joe & Glenda (Smiley) SmithLubbock, TX

Denise Tidwell ticeArtesia, NM

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Thoughts and prayers to the family of a very spunky, hardworking member of our community. There will never be another like her, and she will be missed. Our condolences and Love to all ~ Denise and Ronny

Dan CogarArtesia, NM

I am honored to have been a friend of your Mom. We actually shared a lot of experiences. I will always have fond memories of Charlene. The one thought that always comes to me when I think of her is how she always treated me: LIKE A PRINCE! I will never forget her!

With my kindest regards, Dan Cogar

George and Susan HOlmesAlto, NM

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your whole family in your loss. Charlene was such a great lady and had a profound influence on so many things in Artesia, the business community, the Country Club, Arts Council, and was a true friend to all who knew her. She lived a full life. We will not forget her, and are proud to have known her. Sorry we won't make it to the service. Love and hugs to you all!

Tim. AspenwallMount Pleasant, OH

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

She is unforgettable. Sincere condolences.

Kathy TaylorArtesia, NM

Monday, August 21, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Charlene's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all(Wards, Fergusons, Morgans). Love you.

VeldaArtesia, NM

Monday, August 21, 2017

My condolences to the family, cvontinued prayers

Greg WatsonRidgecrest, CA

Monday, August 21, 2017

Sara, heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Debbie Burrows WalkerLubbock, TX

Monday, August 21, 2017

Jenni and Sara, I was very sorry to read about the passing of your mom. . God's peace for all. of you. . Debbie Burrows Walker.

Bonnie KilpatrickArtesia, NM

Monday, August 21, 2017

Jennie & Sara I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a special lady.It was my honor to know her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Courtney HartmanPella, IA

Monday, August 21, 2017

Sending love from Iowa.

Roger & Ramona KilpatrickARTESIA, NM

Monday, August 21, 2017

Prayers for the family during this difficult time. What a wonderful lady, she will be missed.